Broncos, Chiefs and Chargers made interesting moves in draft and afterward

David Zalubowski/AP

Bradley Chubb, the Denver Broncos' first-round selection with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft, considers a question from a reporter after he was introduced to the media, April 27, 2018, at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo.

Bradley Chubb, the Denver Broncos' first-round selection with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft, considers a question from a reporter after he was introduced to the media, April 27, 2018, at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo. (David Zalubowski/AP)

Their first losing season in seven years allowed them to finally draft up top, while an extra chip in the third round and faith in a veteran quarterback further strengthened John Elway’s hand.

Premium addition?

NFL teams were in agreement that Bradley Chubb, who went fifth to Denver, was the top edge rusher in the entire draft class.

If Chubb is what I think he is – 90 percent of Joey Bosa in aptitude although two years older than Bosa was as the final first-round draftee of the San Diego Chargers – the Broncos will have four edge men who exceed average for their roles: Von Miller and Chubb as starters, Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett as backups.

Chubb’s good fortune

Improving Chubb’s odds of success is Miller, who was still very good last year in his seventh season since Elway took him second overall.

“I’m not going to lie to you,” Gannon of CBS told 104.3 FM this week. “I have real concerns about Paxton Lynch, whether or not he’s ever going to be a legitimate starter in this league. Honestly, he’s a taller guy, he’s not very accurate, I think the game’s moving way too fast for him right now.”

Kelly, an Ole Miss alum, will try to follow Siemian’s path from the seventh round to Denver’s starting job.

Big class

The 10-man class is Denver’s largest since Josh McDaniels took 10 in 2009.

I like the pairing of swift linebacker Dorian O’Daniel with special teams coach Dave Taub. Working under the well-regarded Taub will allow O’Daniel to contribute as he learns a new role in Bob Sutton’s defense.

O’Daniel started at strong linebacker for two Clemson teams that reached the national championship game. With the Chiefs, he profiles as a weak-side defender and dime linebacker. He is fast (4.6) but light (223 pounds). At the combine, he led linebackers in the short shuttle and the 3-cone.

Kansas City took him 100th.

Praise for undrafted QB

Ranking the college free agents, Pro Football Focus judged Nic Shimonek of Texas Tech the top undrafted quarterback. Eleventh among the analytics site’s quarterbacks in this class, Shimonek joins the former San Diego Chargers’ positional group that includes Philip Rivers, Geno Smith and Cardale Jones.

In PFF’s view, the newcomer has a strong chance to be much more than a camp arm.

“While Big-12 defenses may have inflated his collegiate production,” PFF writes, “Shimonek ranked inside the top-five among draft-eligible quarterbacks in overall adjusted completion percentage (771.), adjusted completion percentage against the blitz (77.8) and deep-pass adjusted completion percentage (58.8) in 2017, metrics independent of defenses and rather more indicative of the quarterback individually.”

A bonus is that Shimonek can provide insights into AFC West rival Patrick Mahomes and elements of a college offense that Mahomes and another potential 2018 opponent directed.

Shimonek backed up Mahomes at Tech before succeeding him last year. A year ago, the Chiefs invested three premium draft picks in Mahomes, who will start against Team Spanos in this year’s opener.

This is no ordinary season opener for the franchise, which has lost its past eight games to Kansas City.

The two defeats last year denied Los Angeles (9-7) the AFC West title.

In addition to facing Mahomes twice, Gus Bradley’s defense may face another Air Raid alum in Baker Mayfield, who played for Air Raid disciples Kingsbury and Lincoln Riley. Cleveland, an October opponent, took Mayfield first overall.

CAPTION

The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports.

The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports.

CAPTION

The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports.

The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a federal law that bars gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states, giving states the go-ahead to legalize betting on sports.